Zakharova says there are no alternatives to achieving the goals of the special military operation

Foreign Ministry statement and parallel remarks about a peaceful path

Official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing that Russia has 'no other choice' but to carry the goals and objectives of the special military operation through to full completion. According to her, Russia 'cannot allow the existence of an aggressive Nazi state near our borders,' from whose territory threats to the security of Russia, its allies and 'the whole world' emanate. This is reported by Gazeta.Ru citing RIA Novosti.

Context

On the same day, November 5, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Russia's interests regarding Ukraine could be secured by peaceful means if someone in Kyiv shows political will and takes on the responsibility. Earlier, Vladimir Putin said that all tasks of the special military operation would be fulfilled, adding that Russian citizens 'believe in the fighters of the special military operation and in Russia's victory.' In addition, the State Duma had earlier stated that after the special military operation Ukraine would 'have no army at all.' Thus, the statements of Russian officials combine two lines: a declaration of achieving the goals militarily to the end, and an allowance for a peaceful scenario under certain conditions in Kyiv — while all these statements remain the positions of their authors rather than an agreed program.